The maximum weight you can safely put in a car is its payload capacity, which is the difference between its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and its curb weight. Typically, this ranges from 850 to 1,800 pounds for most sedans and SUVs. Exceeding this limit is dangerous and can cause severe damage to your vehicle's suspension, brakes, and tires.
To find your car's specific payload capacity, the most reliable method is to check the driver's side door jamb sticker. This sticker lists the vehicle's GVWR and its Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR). Subtract your car's curb weight (its weight with all fluids but no passengers or cargo) from the GVWR to get the actual payload. For example, if your SUV's GVWR is 6,000 lbs and its curb weight is 4,500 lbs, your payload capacity is 1,500 lbs. This number must include all passengers, cargo, and any aftermarket accessories like a roof rack or hitch.
It’s not just about the total weight, but also how you distribute it. Heavier items should be placed low and centered between the axles. Overloading a vehicle, even slightly, compromises handling, increases braking distances, and can lead to catastrophic tire failure. The table below shows typical payload capacities for different vehicle types.
| Vehicle Type | Typical Payload Capacity Range (lbs) | Example Models |
|---|
| Compact Sedan | 850 - 950 | Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla |
| Midsize SUV | 1,200 - 1,500 | Honda Passport, Ford Explorer |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck | 1,500 - 3,000+ | Ford F-150, Ram 1500 |
| Minivan | 1,200 - 1,400 | Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica |
| Subcompact Crossover | 900 - 1,100 | Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30 |
Remember, towing adds additional strain. The weight of a loaded trailer and the tongue weight (the downward force the trailer hitch applies to your vehicle) counts directly against your payload capacity, not just your towing rating.
